The Hartlepool dog that collected money for charity

But in 1985, Sabre faced an uncertain future when Joe Groskop passed away. It brought an end to a partnership which had lasted for years.

They would walk around town raising money for all sorts of worthy causes with Sabre collecting the money in a bib around his neck.

But Joe’s death brought sad times for Sabre, until he found a new home that is.

Joe’s brother-in-law Billy Devonport took in the pedigree dog, whose kennel name was Saxon of Kenee, and Sabre quickly became a big hit with Billy’s wife Susan and two children Michelle, then aged five, and Lindsay, two.

Mrs Devonport said at the time: “He was very quiet and he pined for the first few days but he is now very lively and he is great with the children. He is a smashing dog.”

Elsewhere that year, the television spotlight was being taken by Grange Hill (especially Stewpot and Jackie), Monkey, and Blankey Blank on the BBC. Albion Market, Saint and Greavesie and Knight Rider were the hits on Tyne Tees.

Over on Channel Four, The Tube had an episode with Elton John, The Fall, Marc Almond and Prefab Sprout.

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